🔧 Impreza - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

You’ll drain the old engine oil from the oil pan, replace the oil filter, then refill with the correct oil. This keeps your engine protected and helps prevent sludge and premature wear.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.8-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on level ground and support the car on jack stands before going underneath.
• ⚠️ Engine oil can be very hot; let the engine cool 15-30 minutes if needed.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off the exhaust and belts; wipe spills immediately.
• ⚠️ Never rely on a jack alone—use jack stands at the pinch welds.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 7-quart)
• Funnel
• 17mm socket
• 3/8" ratchet
• Torque wrench (10-80 Nm range)
• Trim clip remover tool
• 12mm socket
• Oil filter wrench, 65mm 14-flute (specialty)
• Shop rags

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, apply the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Run the engine for 2-3 minutes to warm the oil slightly, then shut it off.
• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap (this helps oil drain faster).
• If your Impreza has an engine under cover, plan to remove it for access.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and support the front of the car

• Place wheel chocks and set the parking brake.
• Use a floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to lift the front, then set the car securely on jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum).
• Give the car a gentle shake to confirm it’s stable. Stability first—always.

Step 2: Remove the engine under cover (if equipped)

• Use a trim clip remover tool to pop out the plastic clips.
• Use a 12mm socket and 3/8" ratchet to remove any bolts.
• Set the cover and fasteners aside so nothing gets lost.

Step 3: Drain the old engine oil

• Place the drain pan (at least 7-quart) under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 17mm socket and 3/8" ratchet to loosen the drain plug, then finish removing it by hand.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to an occasional drip (usually 5-10 minutes).
• Remove the old drain plug washer and install the new crush washer on the drain plug.

Step 4: Reinstall and torque the drain plug

• Thread the drain plug in by hand first (prevents cross-threading).
• Use a torque wrench (10-80 Nm range) with a 17mm socket to tighten the drain plug.
• Torque to 44 Nm (32 ft-lbs)

Step 5: Remove the oil filter (top of engine)

• From above in the engine bay, locate the oil filter near the top/front of the engine.
• Place shop rags under the filter area to catch any drips.
• Unscrew the filter by hand; if it’s stuck, use an oil filter wrench, 65mm 14-flute (specialty).
• Turn counterclockwise to loosen.

Step 6: Install the new oil filter

• Wipe the filter mounting surface with shop rags.
• Put a light film of fresh oil on the new filter’s rubber gasket (use a gloved finger).
• Install the new filter by hand until the gasket touches, then tighten 3/4 turn by hand.
• If using a torque wrench and appropriate adapter, Torque to 12.5 Nm (9 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall the under cover

• Reposition the cover.
• Install bolts with a 12mm socket and 3/8" ratchet and push clips back in with the trim clip remover tool (or by hand).

Step 8: Refill with new oil

• Lower the car off the jack stands using the floor jack.
• Insert a funnel into the oil fill hole and add 0W-20 full synthetic.
• Start by adding 5.0 quarts, then you’ll top off after checking the dipstick. It’s easier to add than remove.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds, then shut it off.
• Check under the car for leaks at the drain plug and around the oil filter.
• Wait 5 minutes, then check the dipstick and top off to the full mark as needed.
• Reset the oil reminder (your Impreza may use either of these):
• 🧭 Use steering wheel buttons: Settings > Maintenance > Engine Oil > Reset
• 🖥️ If shown on the head unit: Home > Settings > Maintenance > Engine Oil > Reset
• Dispose of used oil and the filter at an oil recycling center—never dump it.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$170 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$75 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$95 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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